Women’s Coach
Ryan Neich
When his wife suggested starting the inaugural Balgownie Women’s Cricket Team, a blind-sided Ryan was unanimously voted coach by the then committee members. Having only ever played indoor cricket and the occasional backyard cricket match, but possessing years of experience as a rugby league coach, it was expected to be a venture of Ted Lasso proportions. And that it has been.
Training a squad of predominantly amateur cricket players, many being mums of cricket playing children just wanting to give it a bash, Ryan has developed the ladies cricket skills dramatically in the team’s short three years. Moving the Maggies from 5th position in their first season, to a grand final spot in season 2023/24, Ryan has used his patience, commitment, and humour to develop a talented bunch of players, and more importantly, foster an awesome team environment where every player is given an opportunity!
